Practice of audiology means the application of evidence-based practice in clinical decision making for the prevention, assessment, habilitation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of persons with hearing, auditory function, and vestibular function impairments and related impairments, including (1) cerumen removal from the cartilaginous outer one-third portion of the external auditory canal when the presence of cerumen may affect the accuracy of hearing evaluations or impressions of the ear canal for amplification devices and (2) evaluation, selection, fitting, and dispensing of hearing aids, external processors of implantable hearing aids, and assistive technology devices as part of a comprehensive audiological rehabilitation program. Practice of audiology does not include the practice of medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or surgery.
description continued......
Practice of speech-language pathology means the application of principles and methods associated with the development and disorders of human communication skills and with dysphagia, which principles and methods include screening, assessment, evaluation, treatment, prevention, consultation, and restorative modalities for speech, voice, language, language-based learning, hearing, swallowing, or other upper aerodigestive functions for the purpose of improving quality of life by reducing impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers. Practice of speech-language pathology does not include the practice of medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or surgery.
Licensure Exceptions: The following are not required to obtain an audiology or speech-language pathology license pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-511. Nothing in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Practice Act shall be construed to prevent or restrict:
- The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology or the use of the official title of such practice by a person employed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist by the federal government;
- A physician from engaging in the practice of medicine and surgery or any individual from carrying out any properly delegated responsibilities within the normal practice of medicine and surgery under the supervision of a physician;
- A person licensed as a hearing aid fitter and dealer in this state from engaging in the fitting, selling, and servicing of hearing aids or performing such other duties as defined in the Hearing Aid Instrument Dispensers and Fitters Practice Act;
- The practice of audiology or speech-language pathology or the use of the official title of such practice by a person who holds a valid and current credential as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist issued by the State Department of Education, if such person performs speech-language pathology or audiology services solely as a part of his or her duties within an agency, institution, or organization for which no fee is paid directly or indirectly by the recipient of such service and under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education, but such person may elect to be within the jurisdiction of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Practice Act;
- The clinical practice in audiology or speech-language pathology required for students enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a major in audiology or speech-language pathology, if such clinical practices are supervised by a person licensed to practice audiology or speech-language pathology and if the student is designated by a title such as student clinician or other title clearly indicating the training status; or
- The utilization of a speech aide or other personnel employed by a public school, educational service unit, or other private or public educational institution working under the direct supervision of a credentialed speech-language pathologist.
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Requirements for Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology Licensure
You must submit or have submitted the following:
- A completed Application for Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology Licensure;
- Application fee of $140;
- Proof of age of majority;
- Citizenship/Lawful Presence: Evidence that you are a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted into the United States who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act, or a nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act. Documentation may include:
- A U.S. Passport (unexpired or expired);
- A birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal;
- An American Indian Card (I-872);
- A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570);
- A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
- Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350);
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240);
- Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545 or DS-1350);
- A United States Citizen Identification Card (I-197 or I-179);
- A Northern Mariana Card (I-873);
- A Green Card, otherwise known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), both front and back of card;
- An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp bearing the same name as the passport;
- A document showing an Alien Registration Number (“A#”). An Employment Authorization Card/Document is not acceptable; or
- A Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record);
- Convictions: If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, you must submit:
- Official court records, which include charges and disposition;
- All addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment if conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense;
- If currently on probation, submit a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status; and
- A letter from you explaining your conviction.
- Education Degree Required: Submit official transcript, if applicable:
- Speech-Language Pathology: An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing proof of a master’s degree or its equivalent in Speech-Language Pathology from an academic program accredited by the Education Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association;
- Audiology: Graduation prior to September 1, 2007 – Requires a master’s degree or its equivalent in Audiology from a program accredited by the Education Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Audiology: Graduation on or after September 1, 2007 - Requires a doctoral degree or its equivalent in Audiology from a program accredited by the Education Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Examination
- Pass the licensure examination with a scaled score of 600. Contact PRAXIS to submit scores to us, if applicable. Nebraska code number is 7646;
- Documentation of completion of the Professional Experience, if applicable. (Attachment A1)
- Verification/certification of licensure in other jurisdiction(s): If you have been credentialed in other jurisdiction(s), you must have those jurisdiction(s) submit a verification/certification of your license to our office. (Attachment A2)
- Proof of a minimum of 50 hours of acceptable continuing education that was optained within the three years immediately preceding your application, if applicable. (Attachment A3)
Basis for Application:
Education: Any applicant who is applying on the basis of education must submit an official transcript, official documentation of passing the PRAXIS licensure examination for audiology or speech-language pathology, and Documentation of Completion of the Professional Experience (Attachment A1)
Endorsement from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: All applicants who are applying on the basis of endorsement by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA 301-296-5700) or equivalent and in active practice must have official documentation of the Certificate of Clinical Competence submitted to the Licensure Unit.
License Issued on Basis of a License in Another Jurisdiction: If you hold a license to practice Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in another jurisdiction and are in active practice, you must have the licensing agency complete the Certification of Applicant's License in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. (Attachment A2)
Passed Licensure Examination - Not Currently Practicing: If you passed the licensure examination more than three (3) years prior to your application and are not currently practicing at the time of application, you must submit proof of at least 50 hours of acceptable continuing education obtained within the three (3) years immediately preceding your application. (Attachment A3)
Active License in Another Jurisdiction - Not Currently Practicing: If you have an active license in another jurisdiction, but are not practicing at the time of application, you must submit proof of a minimum of 50 hours of acceptable continuing education that was obtained within the three years immediately preceding your application. (Attachment A3)
Requirements for Temporary Licensure
To qualify for a temporary Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology license, you must submit the following:
A completed 
application;
Licensure fee of $140
Proof of Age: Evidence of at least 19 years of age (i.e.: driver’s license, Birth certificate, marriage license, school transcript, US State ID card, Military ID, or similar documentation);
Proof of Citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status: You must submit a copy of at least one of the following documents:
A U.S. Passport (unexpired or expired);
A birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal;
An American Indian Card (I-872);
A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570);
A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350);
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (FS-240);
Certification of Birth Abroad (FS-545 or DS-1350);
A United States Citizen Identification Card (I-197 or I-179);
A Northern Mariana Card (I-873);
An Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551, otherwise known as a “Green Card”);
An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired Temporary I-551 stamp bearing the same name as the passport;
A document showing an Alien Registration Number (“A#”) with visa status; or
A form I-94 (arrival-departure Record) with visa status
An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing proof of a degree or its equivalent (link) in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Education Standards Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association;
If convicted of a misdemeanor or felony;
Official court records, which includes charges and disposition;
Copies of arrest records;
A letter from you explaining the circumstances surrounding the conviction
If the conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense, all addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment (if treatment was obtained and/or required); and
If you are currently on probation, a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status.
NOTE:If you have any criminal charges or license disciplinary actions pending that results in conviction or license discipline, you are required to report such actions to this department within 30 days.
Official documentation of passing the National Teachers Examination for Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology with a scaled score of 600 or above (The PRAXIS Series Specialty Tests in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology) sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. When requesting your scores from the Educational Testing Service, please use the following Nebraska Code: 7646
OR
This requirement is only for applicants who have not passed the licensure exam but have completed the Clinical Fellowship/Professional Experience
Documentation of completion of the Clinical Fellowship/Professional Experience (Form A1) that meets the following criteria
Completed under the supervision of 1) an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist who holds a valid Nebraska license or who meets Nebraska requirements for licensure or 2) one who holds certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The supervisor’s license or certification must be in the professional area in which the Clinical Fellow works;
Consist of direct clinical work with patients, consultations, record keeping, and other duties relevant to a program of clinical work including clinical experience with persons who have communication handicaps. Such professional experience must deal directly with the management of treatment programs for specific patients or clients; and
The supervising Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist monitored and evaluated the applicant’s performance.
Important – please read:
This temporary license is valid only until either the expiration date or upon completion of the Clinical Fellowship/Professional Experience, whichever is sooner. Upon completion of the Clinical Fellowship/Professional Experience or the expiration date, your temporary license becomes null and void. If you continue to practice you may be subject to an administrative penalty of $10.00 per day up to a maximum of $1,000.00. You must apply by education for permanent licensure upon completion of the Clinical Fellowship.
Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Audiology or speech-language pathology assistant or any individual who presents him/herself to the public by any title or description with the same duties means any person who, following specified training and receiving specified supervision, provides specified limited structured communication or swallowing services which are developed and supervised by a licensed audiologist or licensed speech-language pathologist in the areas in which the supervisor holds license(s).
Requirements for Registration
Qualifications: To receive a credential to practice as an audiology or speech-language pathology assistant, an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- Age and Good Character: Be at least 19 years old and of good character
- Citizenship/Lawful Presence Information: For purposes of Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 4-108 to 4-114, a citizen of the United States or qualified alien under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act. For purposes of Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-129, a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted into the United States who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act
- Education:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited training program in communication disorders, or
- Hold an associate degree from an accredited training program in communication disorders, or
- Have completed professional education that is equivalent to an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. The equivalent coursework meets the requirements outlined in Neb Rev Stat. § 38-521 and consists of the following:
- A minimum of 30 semester credit hours in general education that includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
- Oral and written communication: Course work may include grammar and usage, composition, public speaking, or business writing, and
- Mathematics: Course work may include general mathematics, business mathematics, accounting, algebra, or higher level mathematics, or
- Computer applications: Course work may include computer basics, computer literacy, word processing, software applications, web-based applications, or
- Social and natural sciences: Course work may include psychology, sociology, biology, anatomy, or physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, and
- A minimum of 40 semester credit hours in technical knowledge that includes the following areas:
- Overview of normal processes of communication across the life span: Course work must include normal speech, language, communication, hearing development and swallowing physiology, and phonetics
- Overview of communication disorders including dysphagia. Course work must include speech, language, and hearing disorders, and dysphagia
- Overview of the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology, and
- Instruction in assistant-level service delivery practices. Course work must include technical procedures and legal and professional issues and ethics for audiology and professional issues and ethics for audiology and speech-language pathology assistants, assisting the audiologist and speech-language pathologist in service delivery, and audiology and speech-language pathology assistant technical skills in speech, language, and hearing disorders, behavior management and modification
- Instruction in workplace behaviors: Course work must include workplace behaviors of the audiology or speech-language pathology assistant and must include relating to clients or patients in a supportive and professional manner, observing and recording patient progress, following supervisor's instructions, maintaining confidentiality, communicating in oral and written formats, following health and safety precautions, and appropriate recordkeeping, and
- Cultural and linguistic factors in communication: Course work may include language and culture, nonverbal communications, sign language and other manually coded systems, bilingualism, or multicultural issues, or
- Practical Experience: Have been registered and practiced as a communication assistant. In order to meet this requirement an individual must have:
- Practiced as a communication assistant beteween the period of June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2007
- Practiced for at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of nine months per year, and
- Applied for registration within six months after the effective date (November 6, 2010) of these regulations
- Additional Training Requirements: If the audiology or speech-language pathology assistant will provide aural rehabilitation programs, the audiology or speech-language pathology assistant must complete additional training to include:
- A. Information concerning the nature of hearing loss
- Purposes and principles of auditory and visual training
- Maintenance and use of amplification devices
- Communication options for individuals with hearing loss (for example, sign language and use of assistive technology)
Documentation for Registration
To qualify for registration as an Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, you must submit the following:
- Implement programs and procedures designed by a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist
- Maintain records of implemented procedures which document a patient's responses to treatment
- Provide input for interdisciplinary treatment planning, inservice training, and other activities directed by a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist
- Prepare instructional material to facilitate program implementation as directed by a licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist
- Follow plans developed by the licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist that provide specific sequences of treatment to individuals with communicative disorders or dysphagia
- Chart or log patient responses to the treatment plan
- Provide aural rehabilitation if additional training listed in 172 NAC 24-003.01, item 5 was completed
Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant; Acts Prohibited
An audiology or speech-language pathology assistant must not:
- Evaluate or diagnose any type of communication disorder
- Evaluate or diagnose any type of dysphagia
- Interpret evaluation results or treatment progress
- Consult or counsel, independent of the licensed audiologist or speech-language pathologist, with a patient, a patient's family, or staff regarding the nature or degree of communication disorders or dysphagia
- Plan patient treatment programs
- Represent himself or herself as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist or as a provider of speech, language, swallowing, or hearing treatment or assessment services
- Independently initiate, modify, or terminate any treatment program
- Fit or dispense hearing instruments
Termination of Supervision
If the supervision of an audiology or speech-language pathology assistant is terminated by the audiologist or speech-language pathologist or the audiology or speech-language pathology assistant:
- The audiologist or speech-language pathologist must notify the Department in writing within 30 days of the termination and the date supervision ceased, and
- The audiology or speech-language pathology assistant must cease providing any audiology or speech-language pathology services on the date the approved supervision is terminated
Expiration of Registration
All audiology and speech-language pathology assistant registrations issued by the Department will expire one year from date of issuance.
Continuing Competency Requirements:
On or before the date of expiration, each Nebraska registered audiology or speech-language pathology assistant in active practice within the State of Nebraska must meet the continuing competency requirement of ten hours of in-service training per registration period. The in-service training may be formal or informal and must be directly related to the particular services provided by the audiology or speech-language pathology assistant.
Renewal
All Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Assistant registrations expire one year from the date of issuance. The Department will send all active credential holders a renewal notice at least 30 days before the expiration date. The credential holder must choose one of the following options during the renewal period:
- Active status: Submit the renewal notice, the renewal of fee of $60 and attestation of completing 10 hours of in-service training during the preceding 12-month period
- Inactive status: Submit the renewal notice with a check in the box marked inactive. No fee is required for inactive status
The request for renewal may be submitted in person or by mail or intenet and must include all required documentation and the renewal fee, which must be paid no later than the expiration date. If you continue to practice, you will be subject to an administrative penalty of $10 per day up to a maximum of $1,000
All renewals must be postmarked on or before the expiration date of the credential to avoid expiration. If you continue to practice you will be subject to an administrative penalty of $10 per day up to a maximum of $1,000
Inactive - means that you cannot practice but may represent yourself as having an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status, you must meet renewal requirements which are in effect at the time the status change is requested.
Persons who placed their credentials on inactive status during the last renewal period or during prior renewal periods will not be sent a renewal notice.
Reinstatement
An individual whose credential has expired, been placed on inactive status, voluntarily surrendered unrelated to discipline, been placed on lapsed status or non-disciplinary revocation may apply for reinstatement at any time. The applicant must:
- Submit a completed reinstatement application;
- Obtain ten hours of in-service training; and
- Pay the fee(s)
An individual whose credential was suspended or limited may apply for reinstatement at any time. An individual whose credential has been revoked may apply for reinstatement after a period of two years has elapsed from the date of revocation. An individual whose credential was voluntarily surrendered may apply for reinstatement according to the order entered by the Director. To apply for reinstatement, the individual must contact the Licensure Unit for further direction. (402-471-2299)
Jurisprudence Examination
The jurisprudence examination is not a requirement for licensure in Nebraska. However, the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology feels that if you do not participate in this test, you may not have the knowledge of what is needed to practice Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology in Nebraska.
The following open book jurisprudence examination is provided for your benefit to assist you in gaining further knowledge about the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology in the state of Nebraska in order to protect your license.
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Examination Requirements
The qualifying examination for licensure in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology is The PRAXIS Series Specialty Tests in Language Pathology or Audiology provided by the Educational Testing Service.
Educational Testing Service
Rosedale Road, MS 04-R
Princeton, New Jersey 08541
Telephone Number: (609) 921-9000
Fax Number: (609) 734-5410
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Fees
Fee Schedule
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Is Not Currently Practicing
Passed Licensure Examination But Not Currently Practicing: An applicant who has met the education, professional experience and examination requirements, who passed the examination more than three years prior to the time of application for licensure, and is not practicing at the time of application for licensure, must present proof to the Department that 50 hours of continuing education were completed. Continuing education must be within the three years preceding this application. (Attachment A3)
Licensed in Another Jurisdiction But Not Currently Practicing: An applicant who is licensed in another jurisdiction and is not practicing at the time of application for licensure must present proof to the Department that 50 hours of continuing education were completed. Continuing education must be within the three years preceding this application. (Attachment A3)
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Applications
These forms may be completed online, however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address below.
Fees (if applicable) are payable to: DHHS/Licensure Unit Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
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Renewal Information
All Audiology and Speech Language Pathology licenses expire December 1 of each even-numbered year. The Department will send all active license holders a renewal notice at least 30 days before December 1 of each even-numbered year to the license holder’s last address of record. The licensee must choose one of the following options during the renewal period:
Active status: Submit the renewal notice, the renewal fee of $140 and attestation of completing 20 hours of continuing education during the preceding 24 month period; or
- Inactive status: Submit the renewal notice with a check in the box marked inactive. No fee is required for inactive status.
All renewals must be postmarked on or before December 1 to avoid expiration. If you continue to practice you will be subject to an administrative penalty of $10 per day up to a maximum of $1,000.
Inactive – Means that you cannot practice but may represent yourself as having an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status you must meet renewal requirements which are in effect at the time the status change is requested.
Persons who placed their credentials on inactive status during the last renewal period or during prior renewal periods will not be sent a renewal notice.
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Continuing Competency
Continuing Competency means the offering of instruction or information to licensees for the purpose of maintaining skills necessary for the safe and competent practice of audiology or speech-language pathology. The continuing education may be offered under such names as "scientific school", "clinic", "forum", "lecture", "course of study" or "educational seminar".
Continuing Competency Requirements:
All licensees must complete 20 hours of acceptable continuing education on or before December 1 of each even-numbered year. In order for a continuing education activity to be accepted, it must relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology and it may focus on research, treatment, documentation, management or education.
- Each audiologist or speech-language pathologist who is in active practice in the State of Nebraska must complete 20 hours of continuing education during the preceding 24 month period; no more hours than the total number of hours offered in Nebraska is required during this period. The licensee must participate in at least 20 hours of continuing competency activities for each renewal period. All 20 hours may be from Content Area I with no more than five hours from Content Area II. Renewal of a license will be contingent upon the licensee fulfilling the continuing competency requirement and maintaining documentation for a possible audit. The Board does not pre-approve continuing education programs.
It is the licensee’s responsibility to attend or participate in continuing education activities which meet the guidelines pursuant to NAC 23-009.01B and NAC 23-009.01C. The Board retains final authority for acceptance of any educational activity submitted by the licensee to meet the continuing competency requirement.
CONTENT AREA I:
Anatomic and physiologic bases for the normal development and use of speech, language, hearing, and balance;
Physical bases and processes of the production and perception of speech, language, and hearing;
Linguistic and psycho-linguistic variables related to normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing;
Technological, biomedical, engineering, and instrumentation information which would enable expansion of knowledge in the basic communication processes;
Various types of disorders of communication, their manifestations, classification, and cause;
Evaluation skills, including procedures, techniques, and instrumentation for assessment;
Principles in habilitation and rehabilitation of communication disorders; and
- Principles in evaluation and rehabilitation of balance and vestibular disorders.
CONTENT AREA II (must relate to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology)
Regulations and implementation of federal and/or state regulated programs;
Service delivery models;
Ethical practices;
Supervision issues related to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology;
Related disciplines which interface with delivery of audiology and speech-language pathology services; and
Reimbursement issues.
A continuing education activity, except home study and nationally recognized specialty certification examinations, will
be acceptable when:
The courses or presentations are formally organized and planned instructional experiences that have a date, location, course title, number of contact hours, signed certificate of attendance, and are open to all licensees;
The objectives relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology;
The instructor has specialized experience or training to meet the objectives of the course; and
- One hour of credit is awarded for each 60 minutes of attendance and a quarter hour will be awarded for each additional 15 minutes over 60 minutes. Credit will not be awarded for breaks or meals.
Acceptable Continuing Education Activities
The Board does not pre-approve continuing education programs but will accept as continuing education for renewal of a license the following continuing education activities:
Programs at State and National meetings which relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology e.g., a meeting of the Nebraska Speech-Language-Hearing Association and/or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or American Academy of Audiology. A licensee’s documentation must include the certificate of attendance, listing of individual presentations attended and program outline and/or objectives.
Poster sessions at State and National meetings which relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology or speech-language pathology. A licensee’s documentation must include the certificate of attendance, listing of individual poster sessions attended and program outline and/or objectives.
- Formal education courses/presentations in which:
- The courses or presentations are formally organized and planned instructional experiences that have a date, location, course title, number of contact hours, signed certificate of attendance, and are open to all licensees;
- 2. The objectives relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology; and
- 3. The instructor has specialized experience or training to meet the objectives of the course.
- Accredited university sponsored courses relating to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology taken for college credit including internet courses. A licensee must provide documentation of successfully completing the course. A licensee’s documentation must include an official transcript and a program outline and/or objectives.
- One academic semester credit hour is equal to 15 contact hours. Thus an approved three credit hour course would provide 45 contact hours of continuing education credit.
- One academic quarter credit hour is equal to ten contact hours. Thus an approved three credit hour course would provide 30 contact hours continuing education credit.
Home study where the content of the home study activity relates to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology or speech- language pathology, e.g. videotapes, internet courses not for university credit, and/or correspondence courses. The program must have a testing mechanism scored by the named home study provider. A licensee’s documentation must include a certificate of completion, and a program outline and/or objectives. Licensees may complete a maximum of ten hours of continuing education requirements by home study each 24 month renewal period;
Participation in research or other scholarly activities that result in professional publication or acceptance for publication that relate to audiology or speech-language pathology. Five contact hours will be awarded for each publication.
Licensees may earn up to a maximum of ten contact hours of continuing education each 24 month renewal period for authorship, editorship, co-authorship, co-editorship, or all of these, of a juried publication relating to Audiology or speech-language pathology. A licensee’s documentation must include a copy of the final publication or verification of publication e.g., title, page and table of contents; and
Nationally recognized specialty certification examinations: A licensee will earn ten contact hours of continuing education each 24 month renewal period for successful completion of a nationally recognized specialty certification examination related to an area of advanced practice in the field of audiology or speech-language pathology. A licensee’s documentation must include a copy the certification.
- One hour credit will be awarded for each hour of scientific presentation by a licensee acting as an essayist or a lecturer to licensed audiologists, speech-language pathologists, or other credentialed health care professionals if the program relates to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to audiology and speech-language pathology. A licensee may receive continuing education credit for only the initial presentation during a renewal period, with a maximum of four hours of continuing education for presentation in a 24 month renewal period. A licensee’s documentation must include the program brochure that includes the licensee’s name as presenter and the course outline and/or objectives.
Unacceptable Continuing Education
Continuing education credit will not be awarded for programs that do not relate to the theory or clinical application of theory pertaining to the practice of audiology and speech-language pathology.
Marketing and business communications and operations;
Courses which deal with personal self-improvement, human relations, financial gain, time management, or career options;
Courses designed for lay persons;
Teaching non-credentialed persons nor any preparation for same.
Courses less than 60 minutes in duration.
- Participation in or attendance at case conferences, grand rounds, facility tours, e.g. manufacturing, education, medical, or informal presentations.
Documentation and Audit
At the time of renewal, each audiologist and speech-language pathologist will attest to having met the required hours. The Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology will randomly audit a percentage of audiology and speech-language pathology renewals. If an audiologist or speech-language pathologist is notified that s/he is audited, he/she will need to submit to the Department a copy of the proof of attendance and program objectives or other required documentation for each continuing activity that s/he completed. Each audiologist or speech-language pathologist is responsible for:
- Maintaining until the next renewal period, documentation of attendance at, or participation in, continuing education programs/activities. Documentation of attendance or participation must include the following;
- Signed certificate; and
- Course brochure or course outline; and/or
- Other requested documentation required pursuant to 172 NAC 23-009.01B, items 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8.
- Maintaining documentation of presentation of a continuing education program if the licensee is presenting a program. Documentation must include the following:
- Course outline; and
- Brochure of course; or
- Statement of instructor’s qualification to teach the course, unless the qualifications are included in the brochure.
For renewal of a registration, all Communication Assistants must complete 10 contact hours of inservice training within the 1 year preceding the renewal period.
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Name and Address Change
To request an address change, contact Sue Kopera-Crumb at (402) 471-2299 or e-mail at susan.koperacrumb@nebraska.gov. If you wish to change your name on your Licensure record, you must mail a written request with your signature notarized along with a copy of the legal document verifying name change to:
Licensure Unit
Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
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Duplicates/Reissue
Duplicates: A duplicate large license or small license card may be requested at the time of initial licensure. A $10.00 fee, per document, is required.
Reissue: A large license and/or small license card may be reissued when the licensee requests: additional documents; replacement of original document(s) due to loss, mutilation or destruction; or replacement of document(s) due to a name change.
To request a reissued license, you must submit a request for reissuance, and include a fee in the amount of $10.00 per document. Submit said request to:
Licensure Unit
Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
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Rules and Regulations/Statutes
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Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Information
The Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology advises the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health Licensure Unit on all issues related to the regulation of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Board member composition and length of terms follows:
Membership: |
2 Audiologists
1 Speech-Language Pathologist
1 Public Member
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Length of Term: |
5 years, no more than 2 consecutive full 5-year terms. |
Professional Requirements: |
Been actively engaged in practice of his/her profession in the State of Nebraska, under a license issued in this state, for a period of 5 years just preceding his/her appointment. |
Public Member: |
- Be a resident of this state who has attained the age of majority;
- Represent the interests and viewpoints of consumers; and
- Not be a present or former member of a credentialed profession, an employee of a member of a credentialed profession, or an immediate family or household member of any person presently regulated by such board.
|
The Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology meets at least 1 time per year - see Board meeting Schedule for meeting dates and times. Meetings are open to the public, with the exception of investigational matters. Minutes of meetings are available here or by contacting Bill Wisell at (402) 471-2299 or by e-mail at bill.wisell@nebraska.gov.
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Contact Us
Office Address:
Mailing Address |
Physical Address |
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
|
Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
3rd Floor
Lincoln, Nebraska |
Phone: (402) 471-2299
Fax: (402) 471-3577
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through Friday
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Assistants Licensing/Registration Questions:
Sue Kopera-Crumb
Health Licensing Specialist
Phone: (402) 471-2299
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Scope of Practice, Continuing Education & Board Related Questions:
Bill Wisell
Health Licensing Coordinator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Scope of Practice Questions
Rene Tiedt
Administrator of the Office of Rehabilitation and Community Services
Phone: (402) 471-2299
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Other Links/Sites of Interest
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Telephone Number (Toll-free, Voice or TTY):800 498-2071; (301) 296-5700
National Council of State Boards of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
P. O. Box 326
Wellsburg, WV 26070
Nebraska Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSLHA)
455 South 11th Street, Suite A
Lincoln, NE 68508
Telephone Number (402) 476-9573
Fax Number: (402) 476-7740
www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi
Educational Testing Service
Rosedale Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08541
Telephone Number: (609) 921-9000
Fax Number: (609) 734-5410
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Brochures
Chemical Dependency in Health Care Professionals
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Certification/Verification
Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website at www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi
OR
To request either a certification or verification or your license to be sent to another state licensing agency, send your request in writing along with the proper fee to the our office. Checks should be made payable to DHHS/Licensure UnitCertification
A. Fee - $25.00
B. Certification includes:
School and date of graduation
Whether the license was granted by, education, endorsement or reciprocity<
Examination information, if available
Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Verification
A. Fee - $5.00
B. Verification includes: written conformation as to whether a license or registration was valid at the time the request was made.
Name
Profession
License Number
Expiration Date
- Department Staff Signature
A verification does not include the SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services nor information relating to discipline, school, or examination.
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Licensee Assistance Program
The Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) is an assessment, education, referral, case management, and monitoring service designed to help licensees, certificate holders, and registrants of the State of Nebraska work through substance abuse/addiction problems.
The LAP services are free. However, in some cases treatment from a community resource agency may be needed. If further assistance is needed, the LAP Coordinator will help refer the Licensee to the most appropriate agency. When a treatment referral is made, those expenses become the responsibility of the Licensee.
This program was authorized by Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-175 and is funded by license fees.
LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org.
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Complaints
How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, see the Investigations Division web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/reg_investi.aspx
What activities must be reported by a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant? Every credentialed person who has first-hand knowledge of unlicensed, illegal or unethical activities is required to report (includes self-reporting) within 30 days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in discipline. To view additional information relating to mandatory reporting, click on the options below:
Mandatory Reporting shall not apply:
to the spouse of the person,
to a practitioner who is providing treatment to such person in a practitioner-patient relationship concerning information obtained or discovered in the course of treatment unless the treating practitioner determines that the condition of the person may be of a nature which constitutes a danger to the public health and safety by the person's continued practice, or
- when a credentialed person who is chemically impaired enters the Licensee Assistance Program authorized by Neb. Rev. Stat. §38-175 except as provided in such section.
How is a complaint reviewed, and what is the disciplinary process? The following provides information relating to the complaint, investigative, and disciplinary process.
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